DETROIT—Automotive manufacturers have consistently outpaced the global manufacturing average in recent years, according to a global purchasing managers index.

DEARBORN, MI—Ford will increase the production at its North American facilities by 200,000 units per year, which adds to an earlier capacity rise by 400,000 units in 2012.

DETROIT—Some 1,100 new employees will begin working next week on a third crew at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant here to meet continuing strong demand for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.